rejection

noun

ri-ˈjek-shən How to pronounce rejection (audio)
Definition of rejectionnext
1
as in denial
a refusal to confirm the truth of a statement made a flat rejection of the charges against him

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in refusal
an unwillingness to grant something asked for the judge's swift rejection of the lawyer's request for a recess

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in discard
something separated from a group or lot for not being as good as the others that pile is for rejections, and this one is for applications we'll be accepting

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of rejection Darcy’s first proposal is a humiliation—for him, not her—and his transformation in the novel’s second half works because Austen is unsparing about what Elizabeth’s rejection actually reveals. — Literary Hub, 29 June 2026 Ono’s rejection fundamentally changed the calculus for future presidential candidates, who would now face ideological scrutiny from conservative activists, state officials and the Board of Governors. — Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026 That persisted into 2026 amid disagreements over the Russian war on Ukraine, including Meloni’s rejection of a proposal by Britain and France to send European troops there after a possible ceasefire. — Giada Zampano, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026 That persisted into 2026 amid disagreements over the Russian war on Ukraine, including Meloni’s rejection of a proposal by Britain and France to send European troops there following a possible ceasefire. — ABC News, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for rejection
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rejection
  1. denial
  2. refusal
  3. discard
  4. reject
  5. second
  6. cull
Noun
  • One reason Pharis has been so vocal online is to fight back against the shame and denial that drive so many to withhold their HIV status from others.
    — Charles Trepany, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • Between 2016 and 2023, claim denials increased from 9% to 12%.
    — Miranda Yaver, The Conversation, 2 July 2026
Definition of denial
Noun
  • The Ducks have seven days to exercise their right of first refusal on the player, per the NHL collective bargaining agreement.
    — Dan Gelston, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • Republican hardliners jammed up the House floor this week, in part because of congressional leadership's refusal to attach a version of the election bill, dubbed the SAVE America Act, to the National Defense Authorization Act.
    — Dan Mangan,Luke Fountain,Kevin Breuninger,Garrett Downs,Ashley Capoot,Justin Papp, CNBC, 2 July 2026
Definition of refusal
Noun
  • Strain banana milk through a sieve into a large bowl; discard peels.
    — Joe Sevier, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 July 2026
  • Li has dedicated freezer bags for different dishes, like vegetable scraps for soups or fruit discards for smoothies.
    — Emily Siner, NPR, 27 June 2026
Definition of discard
Noun
  • The most opinionated of these rejects is Smarty Pants, a basic toilet-training tech tool given an amusingly snarky attitude by Conan O’Brien.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2026
  • Today, there are hundreds of rejects packed in wood cabinets and cardboard boxes.
    — Steve Hartman, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2026
Definition of reject
Noun
  • First-round pick Cameron Carr only played in the first half Monday, finishing with five points, one rebound, one assist, one steal, one block and three fouls in 12 minutes and 49 seconds.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
  • Within seconds of arriving, we were checked in, and our luggage was tagged and whisked away, giving us ample time to use the bathroom and enjoy a cup of coffee in the lounge.
    — Annie Archer, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026
Definition of second
Noun
  • The same strain has forced record culls and pushed up egg prices across North America and Europe, and Australian flocks have no exposure to it.
    — John Drake, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
  • Since the decision, residents and conservationists around the country have rallied around the geese, urging the HOA to reconsider the cull and find nonlethal measures to control the population.
    — Drew Pittock, USA Today, 16 June 2026
Definition of cull

Browse Nearby Words

rejecting
rejection
rejections
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Cite this Entry

“Rejection.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rejection. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on rejection

Nglish: Translation of rejection for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rejection

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